What's the best solar pool cover?
Here are some picks for some of the best solar pool cover options in a range of categories:
- BEST OVERALL: Sun2Solar Clear Rectangle Solar Cover
- RUNNER UP: Blue Wave 12-mil Solar Blanket
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Intex Recreation Solar Cover
- BEST FOR ROUND POOLS: Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot Round Solar Cover
- BEST FOR OVAL POOLS: Doheny's Micro-Bubble Solar Covers
- BEST FOR SQUARE POOLS: Sun2Solar 8-Foot-by-8-Foot Square Clear Solar Cover
What is the best solar cover for an inground pool?
Top best solar pool covers for inground pools reviews
- Sun2Solar Blue 12-Foot-by-24-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover. ...
- Blue Wave NS520 14-Mil Solar Blanket. ...
- Intex Solar Cover for 12ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools. ...
- Robelle 1836RS-8 Box Heavy-Duty Solar Cover. ...
- Solar Sun Rings Solar Pool Heater. ...
- Blue Wave BWC752 Bronze Rectangular In Ground Pool Winter Cover. ...
How to choose a solar pool cover?
How to Choose a Solar Pool Cover
- Measure the size of the pool to get the properly sized cover. If a cover is too small, it will not be as effective in warming the pool.
- Select a light color for the pool cover. Darker colors and blues may look nicer over the water, but a clear cover is the most effective because it allows ...
- Choose a solar cover with air bubbles in it. ...
Do swimming pool solar covers really work?
Do solar pool covers really work? Yes, definitely! Here’s how: Pool water absorbs around 75% to 85% of solar energy that hits the water, keeping it warm on sunny days without using an electric or gas heater ( 3 ).
Should you keep solar cover on pool during day?
Generally speaking, you should have the solar cover on the pool whenever the pool is not being used. During the day, having the cover on the pool helps to prevent water and chemical evaporation in the hot sun and also warms the pool.
Does a pool heat up faster with the solar cover on?
Solar covers will help a pool warm up faster in the spring and help maintain warmth in a pool a little longer in the fall but one misconception about them is that they will warm up a pool in the dead of winter, which simply is not the case.
How many degrees will a solar cover heat a pool?
10-15 degrees FahrenheitDepending on the weather, a solar blanket can heat up a pool even up to 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit in a single day. However, on cool, cloudy days, a solar cover will not be as effective at warming up the pool. On average, expect about a 5-degree increase within the first day.
How long can you leave solar cover on pool?
Solar blankets usually last about 5 years if the pool chemistry is good. They will eventually start deteriorate. The first sign of the solar cover starting to wear is the bubbles will be floating on the water. At this point, the cover will soon begin to break apart like flakes.
Can you run the pool pump with a solar cover on?
It is perfectly safe to run the pool pump while keeping the solar pool cover on. Keeping your pool cover on reduces water evaporation and electricity costs. Your pool pump should run for around 6 to 8 hours daily.
Should you cover your pool every night?
Using a pool cover overnight can reduce evaporation. Plus, the cover will trap accumulated moisture, and it'll naturally go back into your pool. You'll be rewarded with a more consistent water level and maybe even a lower water bill.
Do solar covers cause algae?
Simply fitting a solar pool cover will not make the pool go green. However, because solar covers will warm the water, they can accelerate algae growth. You need to change the pool conditions to prevent algae growth.
Is solar pool heating expensive to run?
$6350 to $13250 A pool may cost less than $1 per day to heat with solar panels, while heat pumps cost $250–$750 per year to run. If you're considering installing solar pool heating, it may be to lower your carbon footprint or to save on the cost of pool heating.
Do solar pool covers go bubbles up or down?
With the bubbles facing down directly into the water, the heating process works more quickly and the bubbles help the cover float on the water's surface. Applying your bubble solar cover with the bubbles facing up can eventually damage the bubbles on the cover, due to direct exposure to the sun.
Can you walk on a solar pool cover?
A solar pool cover is intended to conserve energy. It traps heat from the sun while insulating your pool from the cooling effect of air, which can significantly lower heating costs. Platform Pool Cover. This is the type of inground pool cover you can walk on.
Can I leave my solar cover on when it rains?
Yes – in fact, rain helps keep the panel clear of dust for better performance. Just make sure that after heavy storms the panel is clear of debris and has not shifted.
How can I make my pool heat faster?
3:425:42How To Heat Your POOL (3 Ways) | Swim University - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou pull the water out of your pool through a sump pump. And into a large coil of black irrigationMoreYou pull the water out of your pool through a sump pump. And into a large coil of black irrigation hose the water warms up in the black hose.
What is the most energy efficient way to heat a pool?
Electric Heat Pumps Using an electric heat pump is the best way to heat your pool. Full stop. You'll want a powerful unit that will save you on your energy bill every month, like the Energy-Saving ComforTemp Pool Heat Pump 95,000 BTU to heat 18,000 Gallons.
Why use a solar pool cover?
By using a solar pool cover, you can also limit the evaporation of your pool water. This is a huge money saver as the costly chemicals used to keep your pool clean tend to evaporate along with pool water. Keep the water and those expensive chemicals in your pool where they belong. The biggest pro of solar pool covers is that they prevent heat loss.
What are the pros and cons of solar pool covers?
Solar pool covers provide the same benefits as regular pools covers. They keep debris out of your pool, prevent algae growth, and reduce pool evaporation. Keeping your pool relatively free of leaves, dirt, and other annoying muck, means less time spent cleaning. Same thing with the algae growth.
Is solar pool cover a financial investment?
One of the downsides associated with solar pool covers is that they are a financial investment. Solar pool covers need to be sized specifically for your pool, and there is a cost associated with this personalized fitting. Additionally, it’s advised to purchase your solar pool cover from a reputable vendor as lower-end models tend to deteriorate ...
How much energy is saved by a pool cover?
2014 research produced a study by Colgate University on the use of a pool cover for 7 hours each night with the result of energy cost savings of over 30%, for the Lineberry pool on campus. And in 2012, A Michigan Energy Office case study on Chesaning Union Middle School pool showed a 50% reduction in energy use, with the unexpected benefit of reducing humidity inside the indoor pool structure. A study in Australia as early as 1963, showed that ‘clear plastic film’ could be used to both halt evaporative heat loss, and for sunny outdoor pools, would also absorb solar radiation to warm the water.
How Effective Are Solar Covers?
To a poolman, solar blankets are the biggest pain in the neck imaginable. You show up to clean the pool – but have to first clean the solar cover, and carefully roll it up or fold it on deck, before even getting to the pool water .
How much heat does a solar blanket add to a pool?
For a pool that is completely covered by a solar blanket, and one that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight on the pool, a 10-15 degree F gain is not unusual.
Why do we need solar blankets?
A solar blanket helps to both heat the water, and retain the heat at night, or prevent heat loss from cool air temps or heat robbing winds.
Do solar covers really work?
Conclusion: Solar Covers do really work! Both to retain heat and reduce humidity , and when used on outdoor pools, they also add heat to the pool (Liquid Solar does not add heat). There seems to be a bit of a trade-off in convenience for effectiveness within this product category.
Does Cal Poly measure heat gain?
Discussion: The recent Cal Poly study did not measure heat gain or energy savings, although evaporative heat loss could be used as a proxy for energy costs.
Why do you need a solar cover for a pool?
Generally having a solar pool cover will save money in the long run, particularly if you heat your pool using electricity or gas. They will also extend your swimming season and reduce the amount of money you spend on chemicals.
What is a solar pool cover?
A solar pool cover is basically a large solar blanket. It is similar to very strong bubble wrap that floats on the surface of the pool. It doesn’t need to be attached to the pool as the surface tension, and its weight, holds it onto the pool surface. In 6 years of having a solar pool cover mine has never been blown out of the pool or even been lifted – and we get some pretty strong winds here.
How fast does a solar pool cover heat a pool?
This obviously depends on many factors such as the weather (is it warm and sunny or cool and cloudy), the air temperature, the wind, the cover thickness and color and even the depth of the pool. See the sections below.
What color solar cover works best?
Pool cover colors can make a difference to the amount of heat that enters the pool and the amount of heat retained in the pool.
What is the best pool solar cover thickness?
There are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing the thickness of your pool cover.
Can you use a solar cover in the winter?
Well to a large extent this depends on what the climate you live in is like and whether you want to use the pool year round.
Can you use a solar cover on an above ground pool?
Solar pool covers work just as effectively on above ground pools as they do on in ground pools so there is no reason not to have one.
What is the best solar cover for an inground pool?
This silver solar cover is a great pick for inground pools. The UV-resistant silver-colored material allows the sun’s energy to pass through to the water below but also protects against some of the effects of UV exposure on pool chemicals. A thickness of 16 mil means extra durability, which is handy if you plan to use a pool cover reel to easily store your inground pool solar cover. Whether you plan to use your solar cover during the day or at night to prevent a steep drop in water temperatures, this Velox Silver Solar Cover has your pool covered. It’s available in various sizes ranging from 12 x 20 feet to 25 x 50 feet.
What is solar pool cover?
A solar pool cover provides a number of benefits, making it an essential part of pool care and maintenance for most homeowners.
Why does my solar pool have algae?
Although it could be argued that higher temperatures in pool water may cause algae to grow, solar pool covers alone don't typically cause this. There are a number of things that can cause algae growth including the presence of nitrates, very warm temperatures, rain water, or imbalanced chemicals. 56 Having low chlorine levels in your pool can cause algae to grow very rapidly. You'll also want to make sure rain water doesn't get stuck on top of your solar pool cover as this can increase the risk of algae growth as well. 5 As long as you clean and care for your cover and pool regularly, you shouldn't have any problems.
How thick is a solar blanket?
For a round solar pool cover, consider this option from Midwest Canvas. The Space Age Solar Blanket is a 12 mil thick solar pool cover, which is thick enough to withstand frequent set-up and removal. It fits pools of various diameters, depending on which option you select. You can always trim the cover if it’s a little too large. This version stands out for its ‘space age’ silver air bubbles, which transfer the sun’s energy but minimize the effect of UV exposure on chlorine levels in your pool.
What is the difference between a round and rectangular solar pool cover?
Round pool covers may leave the end of an oval pool exposed, while rectangular solar pool covers may have too much overhang. The Supreme Solar Cover from Midwest Canvas is made to match the shape of oval pools and comes in 7 different sizes. Like many other top solar pool covers, this one is also 12 mil thick.
How to choose a pool cover?
Choose a pool cover based on the size of your pool, and your priorities for a pool cover, which could include raising water temperature using solar energy, preventing heat loss through evaporation, 1 or reducing UV exposure which impacts chlorine levels. 2 Also, consider the type of material for your pool cover and the thickness; these factors impact durability and function.
What is a solar cover for a hot tub?
A hot tub solar cover keeps out debris but also conserves energy. A spa blanket, as they’re sometimes referred to, reduces heat loss—keeping your hot tub warmer and ready to go with less energy usage. This option from Thermo-Float is made of thick 16 mil material that is durable and energy-efficient. Unlike thinner solar pool covers that are 8 or 12 mil thick, this version prevents up to 95 percent of evaporative heat loss.
